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Relationship Contract Template (Cohabitation Agreement)

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Updated May 29, 2025

A relationship contract, or cohabitation agreement, is between a couple to establish rules for a relationship. This contract is sometimes required to establish a domestic partnership. A relationship contract will commonly include how to respect one another and how incomes and expenses are paid.

Is it Legally Enforceable?

Yes, the monetary portion of a cohabitation agreement is legally enforceable if it is entered voluntarily by both parties, supported by valid consideration, and not based solely on the exchange of sexual services.

This is supported by the California Supreme Court case Marvin v. Marvin (1976), which mentions explicitly:

Adults who voluntarily live together and engage in sexual relations are not barred from enforcing agreements relating to earnings, property, or support, so long as the agreement is not explicitly founded on meretricious consideration.

How to Make a Relationship Contract (8 steps)

1. Exclusivity

couple holding hands with sunset ocean backdrop

Decide if the partners will be sexually active with other people: (choose one)

  1. Exclusive: No other sexual partners.
  2. Open: Other sexual partners are allowed. Protection during such interaction should be required.
  3. Custom: Some partners have exclusive relationships except for maybe one (1) “free pass” per year.

2. Living Arrangements

checklist of relationship agreement topics on clipboard

Decide if the couple will live together. If so, write down who will pay for what living expenses on the property.

3. Income

person holding a one dollar bill

In most relationships, income is separate. However, some partners agree to share their income if, for example, one partner works by the hour and the other is in a sales (commission) position.

4. Bank Accounts

blue and red booklets labeled savings account

To decide whether or not to keep their accounts separate or to open a shared bank account.

5. Personal Needs

heart shaped box of chocolate labeled "love"

There can be any types of personal needs required, such as:

  • Date nights
  • Romantic acts
  • Family time
  • Solitude

6. Termination

couple each holding half of a broken heart

Most relationships end when a partner no longer feels the connection, although some agreements have an end date (to each their own!).

7. Liability

person reviewing relationship agreement

Require that each partner be liable for anything written in the agreement. For example, if the couple requires that each partner pay their fair share of the rent (50/50), then each partner will be required to pay until the end of the lease term.

8. Mutual Respect

foundations of a healthy relationship

The foundation of any relationship includes:

  • Honesty
  • Civility
  • Judgment-free attitude
  • Family time
  • Handling disputes
  • Acceptance (of political views, ideas, etc.)

Sample

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT